[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6099354,"mediaKeyId","2818289-aca2d863c40e77b1a5f196aa90ca336f","parentId",2818289,"title","Votes at a glance: Helotes City Council, March 27, 2025","audioSeconds",1724,"startMs",341000,"endMs",2065000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2818289-aca2d863c40e77b1a5f196aa90ca336f&start=341&end=2065","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2818289-aca2d863c40e77b1a5f196aa90ca336f/thumbnail_341000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6099354/Helotes/Bexar-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Helotes-City-Council-March-27-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099354-94179f5efc27c0babe3799e8ab740ade/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168781&Signature=gTkUavT~u78wXWdTzXJR6FkHRdTZlMJy0o6xPh47Izn~UakT72dvMM1SnZSU0hs9VLhCmHu3gGDzkY~6ZoVwH85pnwc4hTfJINg83QJCPaN3n~C7YbElbjJMnvo83cmucL6TJR4YKUtykicdb5auS525dZRqoBxdpOIqYbuTQSYV-wE-vOuQ3HG35F6BLNgLjG6DRhIqrynFNxznEUOMJeiElIQdT~Y6nyd9hBpex3UsgwZyDrytppKcGuJ4r08GzqYusZuMsp7q5sdl7BVVTe~JnmmkMahr0RbsG7hyPnoEpyn-WzzeFgmRhwedh~U-WQnROZkcB1PofdFxSGKLmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Helotes, Texas","date","2025-03-28T13:03:45Z","article","Helotes — The Helotes City Council took the following final actions at its March 27 meeting:

• Consent agenda items 4 and 5 — Approved (motion and second recorded; voice vote). Details of items 4 and 5 were not discussed on the public record in the transcript.

• Item 6 — Approve Tractor Supply conceptual design plan, site plan, lighting and associated signage/variances (mover: Councilman Sanders; second: Councilmember Merchant). Action passed by voice vote.

• Item 7 — Approve sign variance for D. Va Dog Lady LLC (mover: Councilmember Virtue; second: not specified). Action passed by voice vote.

• Item 8 — Deny requested additional signage variance (mover: Councilman Sanders; second: not specified). Motion failed/denied by voice vote.

• Item 10 — Approve mayoral nomination of Scott Hardwick as executive director of the Helotes Economic Development Corporation (mover: Councilman Sanders; second: Councilmember Merchant). Action passed by voice vote.

No roll-call vote tallies were announced in the public transcript for the above items; outcomes were recorded by voice vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting 03-27-25","oneSentenceSummary","Quick summary of final actions taken by the Helotes City Council on March 27, 2025: consent items 4–5 approved; item 6 (Tractor Supply conceptual plan) approved; item 7 (D. Va Dog Lady LLC sign variance) approved; item 8 (additional signage variance) denied; item 10 (EDC executive director nomination) approved.","taxTitle","Helotes, Bexar County, Texas","taxId",55408,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":46,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6099360,"Helotes council confirms Scott Hardwick as executive director of Helotes Economic Development Corporation",133,1932000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2818289-aca2d863c40e77b1a5f196aa90ca336f&start=1932&end=2065","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2818289-aca2d863c40e77b1a5f196aa90ca336f/thumbnail_1932000.jpg","/articles/6099360/Helotes/Bexar-County/Texas/Helotes-council-confirms-Scott-Hardwick-as-executive-director-of-Helotes-Economic-Development-Corporation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099360-ea7b36c8b807c2c704838162a42d14be/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168781&Signature=FRZds-OBGfjSGwS6A4MHbkXL0B3o1e~DhivbXnkgMDYNmJfw2Pn0BtY7keCDm4kdaNX0QyB2Sx-VLSMWK0rjGkK4aXGMR489GV3mVcJlik4DowYf~E4vAPv38FBXugfzLRRKy~LP0nPYaqc7Djo7A5p88gWkZCAqCwwnrBwwaiDhiUIuBTWbSqtn2f8qBIbnqehmwxGnQA~myh8xNPqCAJLYQP0nUp-TD1IAS~AM~dHzpZl-L1Z3s3wPUJymQLvP8MYqoVMql8auC30xOEsMQi1w6j~HfZdw9fyNq4ZdPjUi7q~INpISzGcpphQIUHLuPHc~9xVZmkbBx2QQZpP1pw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Helotes — The Helotes City Council confirmed Scott Hardwick on March 27 as the executive director of the Helotes Economic Development Corporation (EDC) after a mayoral nomination and a second round of interviews.

The mayor told the council that two interview rounds were held and that the city advanced the candidate after concluding a second round yielded the best fit. Council member Sanders, who participated in the interviews, said he spoke with Hardwick during the process and would “vote yes.” Other council members welcomed Hardwick and expressed interest in working with him.

Hardwick introduced himself at the meeting and said he has experience in both private- and public-sector economic development and expects to start Monday. “I’m expected to start Monday, so I’m going to be drinking from a fire hose from then on, but I’m looking forward to it,” Hardwick said.

Closed session: Earlier the council entered a closed session under the Texas Government Code sections 551.071 (consultation with attorney) and 551.074 (personnel matters) specifically to discuss contract terms and the position of the EDC executive director. The mayor reported upon return to open session that no votes were taken and no decisions were made during the closed session; the confirmation vote occurred in open session.

Motion and vote: The council moved and seconded the nomination (motion recorded as moved by Councilman Sanders, seconded by Councilmember Merchant) and approved the nomination by voice vote.

Why this matters: The EDC executive director will lead economic development efforts and interface with businesses and investors; council members said Hardwick’s combined private- and public-sector experience fit the city’s needs.

What’s next: Hardwick is expected to begin work the following Monday and will take on responsibilities assigned by the EDC board and city staff.","Mayor's nominee Scott Hardwick was confirmed by the Helotes City Council on March 27 as executive director of the Helotes Economic Development Corporation following interviews and a second-round selection; council members praised his experience and he expects to start Monday.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6099364,"Helotes council denies additional signage variance request; applicant not present for questions",196,906000,1102000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2818289-aca2d863c40e77b1a5f196aa90ca336f&start=906&end=1102","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2818289-aca2d863c40e77b1a5f196aa90ca336f/thumbnail_906000.jpg","/articles/6099364/Helotes/Bexar-County/Texas/Helotes-council-denies-additional-signage-variance-request-applicant-not-present-for-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099364-a7a5877e3554883df3fcd5dba65b50d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168781&Signature=UqT5axDL0tDZbVvTn7sHUAlNIQRAacJcSCyz0wT24iDpYq1jkvg2RZKhkqJMWs10S662WBGySwU4949sxrbUVxLou2BS-2VqhBgSTEB29SgIdcSXPGif5jHwa05VYISMNzkEep1ZdvfVQbp-cmFlaBHfx-oh4u90zUshwqGp5F7UXv4vunnftlavx93aE4U4Lhcjc4MeDtz1Ub7580IdCyDFmjErw3plFMmw5BFY2sbKGjOD47Z5cXIHY8OQOpd0jimw3aKpUKYJIzMkTdukyGzUsni7TBk1DsTeUGECmbLzHDIJiyBIlnAXVNAUlufwqoCVVz1-Lh9BM5yKVYsHbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Helotes — The Helotes City Council on March 27 denied an application for an additional signage variance that would have allowed a new emblem and other sign changes for an existing business.

Council members said the business had previously received generous variances and that the current request would amount to a larger variance than previously granted. One council member said the business had already processed a monument sign that complies with code, and that granting more variances would be excessive. Another member said the applicant or a representative was not present; Councilman Rizzo noted that without the applicant in attendance there was no opportunity to ask why the additional variance was needed.

Motion and vote: Councilman Sanders moved to discuss and take action on item 8; a colleague seconded. After discussion the council voted “nay” on the motion, and the motion was denied by voice vote.

Why this matters: Council members flagged precedent and limits to variances, emphasizing that code-compliant monument signage was already in process and that further allowances were not warranted without justification from the applicant.

What’s next: The applicant may return with revised materials or additional justification if they wish to pursue further variances.","A request for an additional signage variance, including an emblem and other allowance, was denied after council members said it went beyond prior variances and the applicant was not present to explain the need.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6099369,"Helotes OKs sign variance for D. Va Dog Lady LLC at Braun Road site",87,811000,898000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2818289-aca2d863c40e77b1a5f196aa90ca336f&start=811&end=898","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2818289-aca2d863c40e77b1a5f196aa90ca336f/thumbnail_811000.jpg","/articles/6099369/Helotes/Bexar-County/Texas/Helotes-OKs-sign-variance-for-D-Va-Dog-Lady-LLC-at-Braun-Road-site","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099369-fc88a13d968c25b580542cd90c4845cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168781&Signature=mCNcFFveGmsEPuVR80f8yzYxqD-JuOsaCtUbq~RAQNyjpR7CG6H8iDNya6GSS2l0XBJ~bljxX4Vlu50BSZw5yFU64~Bfzpu9BdNnhs5-kf5a93pPwgU4x~k5lVa1fSuL~XCabTdZ~HPJyJSl3vYc79VQfS4n9ukiuxh8rLPbqmfw-uQ9AdsRwF3yRPlzP38NhMsCIWzxyD4uM8ADVlaSN9tT2yyHMqOC5e43N5kSeEIT3sWpAhdf6r9a6J8ZxQPQ2wO2ESmMOThAwdSqo4WbqzQ7qBsY3xga8nafg1WCQ1JrGzjg-tRsOYloYxp3R4WXBu7oCpMFjoIKRsyfoAL59Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Helotes — The Helotes City Council unanimously approved a sign variance request for D. Va Dog Lady LLC at a location off Braun Road on March 27 after Planning and Zoning recommended approval.

Council members said the business is set back from Braun Road and that the site’s unusual configuration justified the variance. One council member said a monument sign would be preferable in the future but that the current variance would help the business as it gets established.

Motion and vote: The council moved and seconded (motion credited in the record as made by Councilmember Virtue and seconded by a colleague), and the council adopted item 7 as written by voice vote.

Why this matters: The variance will allow the business to use temporary or alternate signage given its set-back location until a monument sign can be installed, per council remarks.

What’s next: Staff will apply the approved variance to the applicant’s sign permit; the council encouraged the applicant to pursue a monument sign in the future.","The Helotes City Council approved a sign variance for D. Va Dog Lady LLC, a business set back off Braun Road, after Planning and Zoning recommended allowing a temporary or alternate sign arrangement until a monument sign can be installed later.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6099374,"Helotes council approves Tractor Supply concept plan after debate over inward-facing ‘thank you’ sign",461,371000,832000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2818289-aca2d863c40e77b1a5f196aa90ca336f&start=371&end=832","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2818289-aca2d863c40e77b1a5f196aa90ca336f/thumbnail_371000.jpg","/articles/6099374/Helotes/Bexar-County/Texas/Helotes-council-approves-Tractor-Supply-concept-plan-after-debate-over-inward-facing-thank-you-sign","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099374-2c98dbbc7a82b0fb71adea01635e98a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168781&Signature=X8M12M84XoQPJ62obCVpHLr2xg~H44JvyTG34yY-Oqccu~BQrk9M8yaNmffCNJaqVj63lC1t1E3xJcF-KUKosB21iotlamHHuSmQiXTS4B4i6uUbhW5YlcC0KIg7o~NFBq78V83Yjleus-krf4RkaNCv~13L5~4JbEIAKpGhiXTnFNWDflYoK6nKjurvnygqfZVYzVSz0B1Rl3cB7uG1bnGXwBDyZMomZjqIZhnSrL1rdX32oaXDrlBQb0ivzKeCsNFwJDDwqaFkQN6-h1p-lY5o7lPjTgFTqcxDmTLKtpDYvT-eCZpu3HHarhZsVqDo9cn8R1eCUnY-XzCwUc-Sfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Helotes — The Helotes City Council voted March 27 to approve a conceptual design plan by Tractor Supply for a new store and an expanded garden-center area, approving the building concept, exterior lighting, site plan and most proposed signage.

City council members debated a proposed “thank you/exit” sign that several members said appears to face inward toward the store’s pickup lane rather than the public right of way. Councilman Sanders said the sign is “inward facing” and “nobody outside the fence line will see it,” arguing the sign should not be counted as public signage. Councilmember Merchant responded that, based on the plans reviewed, he did not perceive the sign to be inside a fenced area and had no objection to approving the application as submitted.

The council noted that Planning and Zoning had recommended approval with the exception of that single sign. Council members otherwise said the project would be a positive addition to Helotes and approved the package with variances already recommended by Planning and Zoning, plus two veterans parking spaces and two online order pickup signs.

Motion and vote: Councilman Sanders moved to discuss and take action on item 6; Councilmember Merchant seconded. The council adopted the item by voice vote; no roll-call tallies were announced in the public record.

Why this matters: Sign regulation and the visual character of commercial corridors are frequent topics in Helotes land-use reviews. Council members flagged the inward-facing sign because local sign code and precedents often distinguish between signs visible to the public and interior or customer-directional signage.

What’s next: The project will proceed under the conceptual approvals and the variances the council allowed. The staff packet and Planning and Zoning recommendation remain the controlling documents for final permitting.","The Helotes City Council on March 27 approved a conceptual site and building plan for a Tractor Supply location in Helotes, including most requested signage. Council members questioned one ‘thank you/exit’ sign that several said appears inward-facing and therefore not visible to the public.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Helotes City Council, March 27, 2025

Helotes council confirms Scott Hardwick as executive director of Helotes Economic Development Corporation

Helotes council denies additional signage variance request; applicant not present for questions

Helotes OKs sign variance for D. Va Dog Lady LLC at Braun Road site

Helotes council approves Tractor Supply concept plan after debate over inward-facing ‘thank you’ sign